Kara Sweeney
Winston-Salem
Summary
Passionate educator with 16 years of experience specializing in creating inclusive learning environments for children with exceptional educational and behavioral needs. Proven ability to develop and implement innovative teaching strategies backed by a strong theoretical foundation. Committed to fostering emotional and academic growth through a warm and compassionate approach. Core competencies include exceptional relationship- building and communication skills, adept problem-solving abilities, and strong organizational expertise.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Exceptional Children’s Teacher
Lowrance Middle School
08.2017 - Current
- Lead a highly structured classroom of students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disabilities.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to meet the unique learning needs of students with exceptionalities.
- Create and implement IEPs for each student by keeping highly organized thorough data on specific goals.
- Utilize assistive technology tools to enhance student engagement and accessibility in the classroom.
- Serve as Testing Coordinator (25-26 school year) and middle school chair on School Improvement Team (2024-2026).
Exceptional Children’s Teacher
Watauga High School
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Taught academic and life skills in class of students with moderate to severe disabilities.
- Collaborated with special education staff and general education teachers to create inclusive learning environments.
- Foster a supportive, and caring environment focused on the needs and goals of every student.
- Lead IEP meetings, and attend monthly staff meetings.
EC Teacher’s Assistant
Hardin Park Elementary School
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Supported students in transitioning to and from general education classrooms, promoting inclusion.
- Assisted in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs.
- Provided one-on-one support to students during instructional activities to enhance understanding and retention.
Third Grade Teacher
The American School of Torreon
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Contributed to developing curriculum through curriculum mapping.
- Created a supportive, caring and organized classroom focused on the success of each student.
- Developed and delivered engaging, age-appropriate lessons aligned with curriculum standards to foster student learning.
- Communicated effectively with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and address concerns.
- A SACS accredited International School providing a fully immersive bilingual education to children.
Habilitation Technician
Turning Point Services
01.2014 - 07.2016
- Worked one on one with a teenager diagnosed with Autism. Responsible for working on and meeting goals in the areas of daily life skills, socialization, and hygiene. Planned daily activities to both educate and entertain him, in order to help him live as independently and successfully as possible.
Three Year Old Teacher
Carriage House Children’s Center
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Worked alongside 3 other teachers in a class of 21 children. Contributed to weekly lesson plans driven by students interests, which also supported learning, social, and developmental growth. Completed and shared with parents the semesterly developmental reports of students.
- A non-profit model developmental program for children, accredited by NAEYC, and licensed by the Department of Public Welfare and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Education
Bachelor of Art - Elementary Education
Elon University
Elon, North CarolinaBachelor of Art - Elementary Education
Elon University
Elon, North Carolina01.2009
North Carolina K-6 Professional Educators License -
North Carolina K-12 Special Education Educator License - Adapted Curriculum
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suites
- ECATS
- Unique Learning Systems
- Progress monitoring
- Data-driven decision making
- Assistive Technology
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Relationship building
Certification
North Carolina Professional Educators License
- Elementary Education K-6
- Special Education Adapted Curriculum K-12
TEACCH trained (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children)
Timeline
Exceptional Children’s Teacher
Lowrance Middle School
08.2017 - Current
Exceptional Children’s Teacher
Watauga High School
07.2015 - 06.2017
EC Teacher’s Assistant
Hardin Park Elementary School
08.2014 - 06.2015
Habilitation Technician
Turning Point Services
01.2014 - 07.2016
Three Year Old Teacher
Carriage House Children’s Center
07.2013 - 07.2014
Third Grade Teacher
The American School of Torreon
08.2011 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Art - Elementary Education
Elon University
North Carolina K-12 Special Education Educator License - Adapted Curriculum
Bachelor of Art - Elementary Education
Elon University